Exercise Faith by Setting Goals
By Rick Warren
“An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.” Proverbs 17:24 (GNT)
Most of what you do on a daily basis won’t matter in five minutes, much less five years. It may hurt to admit it, but you—along with everyone else—do a lot that really doesn’t matter.
To achieve your dreams, you’ll need to decide what really matters and what will last in your life. Then, focus on that. The Bible says, “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions” (Proverbs 17:24 GNT).
Once you’ve figured out what matters most, set goals big enough to require faith. Jesus says in Matthew 9 that he will bless you as much as you want. His blessing depends on the size of your faith. He says, “According to your faith let it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29 NIV).
God is telling you to choose your cup—and he’ll fill it. Whether you have a little teacup, a five-gallon jug, or a 100-gallon barrel of faith, God will fill it up according to your faith. How much you trust God determines how much God blesses you.
You exercise faith by setting goals on the way to accomplishing your dream. You set a goal when you say, “God, I believe you’re telling me that you want me to accomplish this by a particular date. It’s really going to stretch me to do it, but I believe this is what I need to do.”
What is a goal set in F.A.I.T.H.? It is:
- Focused: It’s specific—something you can measure.
- Attainable: It’s possible and practical. If you set an unrealistic goal, you won’t accomplish it.
- Individual: It’s personal. You can’t set goals for other people. You have ownership over your own goals, not someone else’s.
- Trackable: Your goal needs a deadline. Without a date on it, it’s not a goal.
- Heartfelt: Never set a goal you’re not passionate about. You’ll only accomplish goals that you really desire to reach.
Are there dreams you’ve given up for dead? Goals will give them new life. Take a look at the dreams you’ve given up on. Add a goal, and see what God can do.
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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